Verdict
C
← Acura CL · 1997-1999 · YA1/YA4
Acura CL 1st Gen (YA1)
The forgotten first CL. 2.2L four or 3.0L V6, available with a 5-speed manual on the four. Cheap and obscure.
BHP
145-200 bhp
0–60
8.8 s
Top speed
130 mph
MPG
23.0 mpg
Used
$2,000-$6,000
The first CL was based on the Honda Accord Coupe with TL-derived styling. Two engines: a 145 hp 2.2L F22B1 four-cylinder, available with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic; or a 200 hp 3.0L SOHC J30A1 V6, automatic only. The 3.0 CL Premium was the volume seller. Sold reasonably well in 1997-1998 but declined as buyers moved to the new TL sedan, leading to a one-year hiatus before the redesign. Now an obscure curiosity — clean examples are cheap, but the model lacks the cult following of the second-gen Type-S.
Strengths
- Available with a 5-speed manual (only on the 2.2)
- Clean, understated coupe styling
- Low used prices
- Honda mechanical reliability
- Plentiful parts availability
Weaknesses
- Now 25+ years old — condition matters
- V6 only available with automatic
- Forgettable styling versus the 2001+ redesign
- Outclassed by the 3.2 CL Type-S that followed
- Few survive in clean condition
Notable tech
- F22B1 2.2L four with 5-speed manual option
- J30A1 3.0L SOHC V6 (200 hp)
- Coupe version of the TL platform
- Premium package added leather and CD changer
Common issues
- 4-speed automatic transmission failure (the same campaign that hit the TL)
- Power window regulator failure
- Door lock actuator failure
- AC compressor failure
- Sunroof drains blocking
Used-market budget
$3,500
Most surviving examples are tired daily drivers. Verify automatic transmission has been replaced with the post-March-2005 fix or it'll fail.